Michigan was the 26th state, admitted into the Union in 1837. Called the “Great Lakes State” because its shores touch four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan gets its name from an Ojibwa (Chippewa) Indian word meaning “large lake.” Michigan has an unusual geography, as it consists of two land masses–the Upper Peninsula and the mitten-shaped Lower Peninsula. Detroit, its largest city, is known worldwide as the center of the American auto industry. The apple blossom is the state flower, the robin is the state bird and Lansing is the capital.

Capital City: Lansing
Nickname: Great Lakes State/ Wolverine State / Water Wonderland
Motto: Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam, Circumspice (If You Seek a Pleasant peninsula, Look About You)
Statehood: January 26, 1837 (26th)
Origin of State’s Name: Based on Chippewa Indian word “meicigama” meaning “great water,” and referring to the Great Lake
Largest Cities: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Flint, Lansing
Border States: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin
Land Area: 56,809 sq. mi., 22nd largest
State Bird: Robin
State Flower: Apple Blossom (pyrus coronaria)
State Tree: White pine (pinus strobus)
State Song: Michigan, My Michigan